We asked rising stars from the community one of our favorite questions: other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Eric Mickelson | Skateboard Instructor / Mentor

Believing in yourself is the most important thing. There will always be people that will try to tell you can’t do something but if you never try then you’ll never know. Not saying I’ve never failed in life but that’s what’s gotten me to where I am today. Keep going! 🤙 Read more>>

John Valente | Yacht Captain & Charter Coordinator

To consider myself a “colleague” instead of a “competitor.” The professional maritime tourism industry in San Diego is a small community of boat and yacht owners, captains, and professional crew. Yet, San Diego is a top U.S. travel destination with a world class bay drawing nearly 32 million visitors in 2023 who have spent an estimated $14.3 billion according to the San Diego Tourism Authority. This is in addition to the over 3 million people residing in San Diego County. Read more>>

Arika/denise Daniels/scatena | Co-Founder & Co-CEO (for both)

Denise: Early on, we knew that community impact was important to both of us, so we were eager to start by partnering with nonprofit organizations working in and for the community. Our very first client, who we’re still working with 15 years later, is Mama’s Kitchen, a San Diego nonprofit that helps San Diegans at risk of malnutrition due to critical illness. This nonprofit partnership and others helped us hone our industry expertise and set the stage for additional nonprofit partnerships that have followed. People often say they know us for our work with community organizations here in San Diego, and we’re really grateful for that. It’s so rewarding to know we are helping to further the message and support the mission of community organizations that impact so many lives. Read more>>